Fremantle defender Jordan Clark is full of praise for his teammate and co-vice-captain Caleb Serong ahead of his 100th game this weekend.
The Victorian product will bring up his ton at the MCG in his home state in front of his friends and family against Essendon on Sunday afternoon in a crucial clash for both sides.
This fortnight has been one to remember for Serong, with his football prowess celebrated and acknowledged in two consecutive games – also winning the Glendinning-Allan Medal in last weekend’s Derby.
He was influential in wrestling momentum back on Fremantle’s terms after a hot start from West Coast – piling up 32 touches – 15 contested, 10 clearances and a goal.
Ahead of Serong’s 100th game, Clark says his teammate’s football speaks for itself and praised his professionalism.
“Ever since I’ve walked through the doors he’s shown his professionalism,” he told SportFM.
“The way he values his teammates and the coaches and any little feedback he gets given he implements in his game play to get better is amazing.
“He’s a very good leader at our club as well and is well respected within the four walls.
“He’s very caring, very nurturing and he’s always doing things for other people and he’s always opening his arms.
Serong has been a key part of the engine room since he started at the club and has been monumental in Fremantle’s surge into the top eight this season.
Essendon will need to bag the four points to keep their finals hopes alive, while a win for Fremantle could further secure their place in the top four.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s match, Clark is preparing for it to be another tough contest with plenty on the line for both sides.
“We always prepare for the opposition’s best,” he said.
“We understand that Essendon have probably copped it a little bit more in recent weeks than most teams, so with that comes a huge response.
“We’ll be raring to go to come up against them and when they do get things right, they are quite a potent team.”
This week Fremantle announced breakout forward Josh Treacy had signed a contract locking him away at the Dockers until 2030.
The 21-year-old has kicked 42 goals this season, placing him sixth in the Coleman medal race.
Clark believes Treacy’s surge in form stems from their communication and dedication to their roles.
“We are a group that prides ourselves on roleplayers and everyone has their own roles.
“If everyone executes their roles, we’re going to win more games. It speaks volumes of the boys in our forward line, they’re always looking to put someone else in a better position to score a goal.
“I think that forward line group is going as well as anyone else in the competition and it’s good to see they’re getting the rewards for their effort.”
IMAGE: Fremantle Dockers